During times of uncertainty, it feels overwhelming to go about our normal routines, let alone adapt to the ever-changing environment and necessary habits during this COVID-19 pandemic. If you’re feeling drained and losing the motivation to stay healthy, we’re right there with you. Here’s how we are tackling thorny issues, such as how to cook healthy food and stay safe at crowded supermarkets.
Please leave a comment to share your tips.
UPDATES: (April 3, 2020) Switched from social distancing to physical distancing. The Foodist Kitchen’s course is no longer available for free. (September 21, 2020) Changed our grocery shopping habits based on the CDC guidelines.
Does your face start to itch the moment you step into a grocery store?
This problem and many others, like how to hoard food without screwing your neighbors over too much, are novel questions we haven’t grappled with before and feel inappropriate to discuss. Well, no such restrictions exist here at Garlic Delight. And while we are panicked about COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) and observing strict self-quarantining measures, we’re also trying to maintain a physically and mentally healthy lifestyle.
I almost didn’t write this post because there are already too many coronavirus articles on the Internet and too many PR-sounding, robotic emails from companies telling me how they’re handling the pandemic. But then I noted that I got a lot of relief from discussing very serious questions with friends, like “how do I buy food safely?” and “what are you baking to cheer up?” or “are you buying VTI right now?”.
So I want to continue the discussion with you, dear Garlic Delighters, with tips on how to survive and thrive during these uncertain times whether it’s about food (how to cook when access to ingredients is limited), loneliness (that was me when I herniated my disc and was stuck in bed for 1 to 2 years), or how to work from home (been doing it for years).
Please add your comments to share your tips on how to shop, cook, and dodge passersby on the sidewalk when they walk within 6 feet of you.
How do I keep buying the food I normally buy?
Buy it from your local grocery stores which are staying open because they are considered essential businesses. The U.S. supply chain is a miracle. Somehow, the supply chain still runs at full force, stocking the empty shelves within hours to days (at the worst-case scenario).
If you’re not finding the food items that you normally buy at your local supermarket, consider a supermarket farther away. Look into alternative or unconventional grocery stores, including the following:
- CSAs: Some deliver to your front door or have convenient pickup locations
- Farm stands
- Cafes/restaurants: My friend’s local donut shop is turning into a grocery and produce distribution store
- “Ethnic” grocery stores: Asian grocery stores are a great source of beans, rice, and soy sauce which are cheap, shelf-stable ingredients.
- Target: Target offers free delivery if you purchase over $35 of goods. Target sells grocery items and household staples like toothpaste.
Many restaurants remain open even if they are only doing delivery and takeout service.
RELATED: How to make your groceries last a month or longer with tips on storage.
How do I avoid crowded supermarkets?
Here are the CDC tips for grocery shopping, running essential errands, and delivery/takeout.
- Grocery delivery services
- Curbside pickup: I discovered our Safeway allows you to purchase items online and pick them up in-store.
- Visit local smaller corner stores: Your local fruit shop or butchery is probably less crowded because they don’t carry household items. Plus, supporting local businesses is awesome right now, if you can.
- Visit “rural” grocery stores: I discovered the grocery store in “rural” Boulder still has flour and yeast thanks to my neighbors on Nextdoor. It’s an extra 15 minutes drive from downtown.
- Go during off-peak hours: When we called Whole Foods, the customer service desk told us to come from 11 am to 3 pm on a weekday.
- Call ahead: We call before leaving home to ask if there is a line outside waiting to get in. You should also ask when the restricted times are so you don’t show up when the store is only open to seniors and those who are more vulnerable to COVID-19.
- Check Google: Google tells you the time when high-traffic stores like Whole Foods and Costco have the most people.
- Buy more food when you’re at the store: If you’re buying enough for 1-2 weeks, then you can go less frequently. But avoid hoarding so your neighbors can get food too.
- Avoid tiny stores if it looks like they’re not practicing social distancing: Yeah, I know this one is controversial. We want to support local businesses too. But we avoid going to stores that are smaller in square footage and where people tend to be packed more closely because the store isn’t enforcing social distancing.
- Ask neighbors for help: My neighbors on Nextdoor tipped me off to the Lucky’s that still has yeast. Try texting your neighbors to see if they’ve spotted elusive ingredients on supermarket shelves.
Many restaurants remain open even if they are only doing delivery and takeout service.
RELATED: How to make your groceries last a month or longer with tips on storage.
How do I avoid crowded supermarkets?
Here are the CDC tips for grocery shopping, running essential errands, and delivery/takeout.
- Grocery delivery services
- Curbside pickup: I discovered our Safeway allows you to purchase items online and pick them up in-store.
- Visit local smaller corner stores: Your local fruit shop or butchery is probably less crowded because they don’t carry household items. Plus, supporting local businesses is awesome right now, if you can.
- Visit “rural” grocery stores: I discovered the grocery store in “rural” Boulder still has flour and yeast thanks to my neighbors on Nextdoor. It’s an extra 15 minutes drive from downtown.
- Go during off-peak hours: When we called Whole Foods, the customer service desk told us to come from 11 am to 3 pm on a weekday.
- Call ahead: We call before leaving home to ask if there is a line outside waiting to get in. You should also ask when the restricted times are so you don’t show up when the store is only open to seniors and those who are more vulnerable to COVID-19.
- Check Google: Google tells you the time when high-traffic stores like Whole Foods and Costco have the most people.
- Buy more food when you’re at the store: If you’re buying enough for 1-2 weeks, then you can go less frequently. But avoid hoarding so your neighbors can get food too.
- Avoid tiny stores if it looks like they’re not practicing social distancing: Yeah, I know this one is controversial. We want to support local businesses too. But we avoid going to stores that are smaller in square footage and where people tend to be packed more closely because the store isn’t enforcing social distancing.
- Ask neighbors for help: My neighbors on Nextdoor tipped me off to the Lucky’s that still has yeast. Try texting your neighbors to see if they’ve spotted elusive ingredients on supermarket shelves…
To continue reading this insightful and informative piece from Anna, visit her website https://garlicdelight.com.
Need A Massage? Learn How To Give One To Yourself And Your Loved Ones
Receiving a massage, whether it’s given by someone else or self-administered, can help loosen your muscles and establish a better connection not only with your body but also with the people you love.
